Cybersecurity Degrees
Cybersecurity is vital to nearly every part of our daily lives.
It has become crucial for businesses and individuals to understand their risks and vulnerabilities when it comes to securely storing and accessing digital data. Just as important, if not more important, is the need for companies to find ways to protect their information systems and our data. As a result, trained information security professionals are in high demand and available positions far exceed the number of qualified candidates.
In fact, in some areas, such as healthcare, finance, government and utilities, experts project more than 30% in cybersecurity job growth over the next 10 years. Don't take our word for it, the need for cybersecurity experts is making headlines, like these, across the world;
- Cybersecurity Jobs in High Demand
- Annual Cybersecurity Survey Shows an Increase in Unfilled Cybersecurity Positions
Find out how to take advantage of this expanding job market at Kent State University, where we prepare our students to take on the security threats of today – and tomorrow – as skilled cybersecurity professionals with powerful earning potential.
Quick employment facts
The job outlook is more than promising for cybersecurity professionals. Review the information in the article links below that speak to job market forecasts.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a robust job overview.
- Cybersecurity’s unemployment rate is 0% and is projected to remain there through 2021. (CSO Online)
- By the end of 2021, 100% of large companies across the globe will have a chief information security officer position. (Cybersecurity Ventures)
- In 2021, there will be 4 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally. (Netsparker)
- Information security analyst jobs in the U.S. are expected to increase 31% from 2020-30. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Computer network architect jobs in the U.S. are expected to increase 5% from 2020-30. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Computer programmer jobs in the U.S. are expected to decline 9% from 2020-30. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- An industry blog offers 134 facts and statistics about cybersecurity.
Visit the "Cybercrime Statistics" tab on this website for recent happenings that relied on cybersecurity experts for resolution.
Program Details
When comparing your options in the cybersecurity arena, consider your academic strengths and weaknesses, particularly around math and physics requirements.
Program Name | Admission Requirements | Math Requirements | Physics Requirement | Additional Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|
Associate in Applied Business, Cybersecurity | Open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. | Kent Core Math Requirement | None | None |
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, Optional Concentration in Information Security | Freshman students on the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. The Admissions Office at the Kent Campus may defer the admission of students who do not meet admissions criteria but who demonstrate areas of promise for successful college study. Deferred applicants may begin their college coursework at one of seven regional campuses of Kent State University. For more information on admissions, including additional requirements for some academic programs, visit the admissions website for first-year students. | MATH 12002 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I; MATH 12013 Brief Calculus II; MATH 20011 Decision-Making Under Uncertainty; MATH 21002 Applied Linear Algebra | None | Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete 8 credit hours of foreign language. Minimum Elementary I and II of the same language |
Bachelor of Science, Cybersecurity Engineering | Freshman students: Admission into the Cybersecurity Engineering major requires a minimum 3.0 high school GPA and a minimum 24 ACT composite score (minimum 24 ACT sub-scores in both English and mathematics) or a minimum 1160 SAT composite score (mathematics, critical reasoning and writing); and placement directly into MATH 12002 (or its equivalent). Students who do not meet these requirements may apply for admission to the Computer Engineering Technology major and request to change their program to the Cybersecurity Engineering major after their freshman year if they meet the following criteria: minimum 3.200 overall Kent State GPA and minimum B grade in both MATH 12002 and PHY 23101. | MATH 12002 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I; MATH 12003 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II; MATH 30011 Basic Probability and Statistics; and MATH 32051 Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences I | Phy 23101 General University Physics I and General University Physics II | None |
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Forensics Concentration | Open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. | Kent Core Math Requirement | None | None |
Computer Forensics and Information Security - Certificate | Open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. | None | None | None |
Computer Forensics and Security - Minor | Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree, or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree, or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline. | None | None | None |
Cybersecurity professionals play an essential role in many fields and in every kind of industry. These articles can help you learn about different career possibilities. Then Kent State can help you find the degree path that can connect you to your career goals.
Cybercrime is on the rise.
Ransomware and other cyberattacks have increased awareness of vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. They’ve also shown just how important skilled cybersecurity professionals are to our safety and information security, and to the economy.
- Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the FBI has reported a 300% increase in reported cybercrimes. (IMC Grupo)
- More than a quarter of COVID-19 cyberattacks target banks or healthcare organizations and COVID-19 is credited for a 238% rise in attacks on banks in 2020. (Fintech News)
- Forbes elaborates on “A Fresh Look at Some Very Alarming Stats, in 2022”
- Stefanini Group explains "Cyber Security Statistics for 2022: List of Data, Trends"
- Confirmed data breaches in the healthcare industry increased by 58% in 2020. (Verizon)
- One state notified 33,000 unemployment applicants they were exposed to a data security breach from the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program in May. (NBC)
- Cybersecurity Statistics & Projections for 2022.
- More than half of legal and compliance leaders are concerned about third-party cybersecurity risks due to remote work since COVID-19. (Gartner)
- Remote work has increased the average cost of a data breach by $137,000. (IBM)
- Nearly half of affected employees cited distraction as the reason for falling for a phishing scam while working from home. (Tessian)
- More than 80% of cybersecurity professionals have reported that their job function changed during the pandemic. (ISC)
- Half a million Zoom user accounts were compromised and offered for sale on a dark web forum in April 2020. (CPO Magazine)
- Cloud-based cyberattacks rose 630% between January and April 2020. (Fintech News)
- Remote workers have caused a security breach in 20% of organizations. (Security magazine)
- Cybercrime trends and statistics show the issues in 2021.
- Cybersecurity Jobs Report: 3.5 Million Openings In 2025.
Ready to Get Started on Your Path to a Cybersecurity Career?
Our advisors, faculty and staff meet students where they are and help get them to where they want to be. Kent State’s quality cybersecurity degree programs, minors and certificates fully prepare graduates to be valued members of the workforce who make a difference every day. And, our award-winning student support, including career planning and placement, assists every step of the way to graduation – and beyond.